Can I Sue a Company if Their Employee Hits Me?

In certain scenarios, a company may be liable for the injury caused by its employees. Courts may hold employers responsible for damages if its workers inflict harm on others. Therefore, if you have been physically assaulted or injured by an employee, you may have grounds to sue the company for its employee’s actions.

The legal concept of vicarious liability holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees while acting within the scope of their employment. However, it is important to assess the specific circumstances of the incident and gather evidence to support your case. Consult with a personal injury attorney for further guidance on the viability of your claim.

Employer’s Responsibility for Their Employee Actions

Under the legal principle of vicarious liability, an individual or entity can be responsible for the actions of another, even if the responsible party was not directly involved in the incident. In the context of employer-employee relationships, vicarious liability means that an employer can be held liable for the wrongful acts of its employees when those acts occur within the scope of their employment.

This principle is based on the idea that employers benefit from the work performed by their employees and should bear the responsibility for any harm caused by their actions. However, there are certain limitations to vicarious liability, such as acts committed by employees outside the scope of their employment. A personal injury lawyer can help you establish liability.

Liability for Negligent Hiring

A company can be held directly liable for negligent hiring if it fails to exercise reasonable care during the hiring process, resulting in the employment of an individual who poses a foreseeable risk to others. Negligent hiring occurs when a company fails to conduct thorough background checks, verify credentials, or adequately investigate an applicant’s history.

Liability for Negligent Supervision

A company can be liable for negligent supervision if it fails to properly oversee and manage its employees’ actions while on the job. Negligent supervision occurs when a company fails to provide adequate training, guidance, or supervision to its employees, leading to harmful or dangerous behavior.

Employer’s Duty To Provide a Safe Working Environment

Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment for their employees. They are responsible for:

• Identifying and addressing workplace hazards
• Implementing safety protocols and procedures
• Providing necessary safety equipment and training
• Promoting a culture of safety

Furthermore, employers must comply with relevant health and safety regulations and industry standards. Failing to meet these obligations can result in legal consequences, including potential liability.

How to Prove Liability After a Company’s Employee Hit You

Proving liability after being hit by an employee requires gathering evidence to establish that the company is responsible for its employee’s actions. Your attorney will offer personalized legal guidance on how to build a strong case.

To strengthen your case, you should:

• Report the incident to the employer’s superior
• Document the incident by taking photographs and videos of the scene
• Obtain any available surveillance footage
• Collect witness statements
• Gather your medical records and document your injuries

It is essential to demonstrate that the employee acted within the scope of their employment when the incident occurred. This can involve showing that the employee was carrying out work-related duties, using company equipment, or was in a work-related location at the time of the incident.

Additionally, investigating the employee’s background, training, and any prior history of misconduct can help establish the company’s knowledge or negligence in hiring or supervising the employee.

A personal injury attorney experienced in employer negligence cases will provide valuable guidance on the specific legal strategies to prove liability in your situation.

Pursuing a Lawsuit Against the Company

If you have been physically assaulted or harmed by an employee, you may have the option to pursue a lawsuit against the company. To sue, you will need to establish the company’s negligence or liability for the incident.

This typically involves proving that the company failed in its duty to properly hire, train, supervise, or maintain a safe working environment and that its negligence directly contributed to the employee’s harmful behavior.

A skilled personal injury attorney could provide valuable guidance and assistance in building your case. They can help gather evidence, assess the strength of your claim, and advocate for your rights. Seek legal assistance to increase the chances of a successful outcome for your case.

Pursuing Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If you were injured by a coworker at the job, you have more than one path to financial recovery. You could file a workers’ compensation, a process different from a personal injury lawsuit. The claim would allow you to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits.

However, workers’ compensation may apply if your colleague acted within the scope and course of their employment. For example, if they assaulted you after the work day and outside the office, then you will likely not qualify for workers’ compensation. However, if they accidentally hit you while performing a job-related task, you could be eligible for benefits.

Navigating workers’ compensation laws and regulations can be complex, especially since these change between states. To make sure you make the best decision for your financial recovery, consult a workers’ compensation attorney.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawsuit for Legal Assistance

If you have been the victim of an assault caused by a company’s employee, contact a personal injury lawyer to seek legal assistance. They can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the legal process.

The Thumbs Up Guys will build a strong case on your behalf and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Seeking legal representation as soon as possible will increase the chances of a favorable outcome in your case. Contact us today to discuss your legal options.